PROBABLE CAUSE: "The aircraft's encounter with severe horizontal and vertical wind shears near the ground as a result of the captain's continued approach into a clearly marginal severe weather condition. The aircraft's ability to cope under these conditions was borderline when flown according to standard operating procedures; however, if the aircraft's full aerodynamic and power capability had been used, the wind shear could probably have been flown through successfully. Contributing to the accident was the tower controller's failure to provide timely below-minimum RVR information."

This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path. Distance from Windsor Locks-Bradley International Airport, CT to Philadelphia International Airport, PA as the crow flies is 312 km (195 miles).